Washing-machine.



PATENTBD MAR. 24, 1903.

M. L. STODDARD.

WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION 1111.31) JUNE 25, 1902.

Q @5 @QQQ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MERRITT L. s'ro nAED, or CL VELAND, OHIO.

WASHING- MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 723,420, dated March24, 1903.

Application filedJ'une 25, 1902.

full, clear, and exact description of the inven tion, such as willenable others skilled in the art to which it: appertains to make and usethe same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to thefigures of reference marked thereon, which form a part'of thisspecification. V

This invention relates to washing-machin es,

and particularly to that class thereof having a rubber oscillating in asemicyli'ndrical or segmental suds-box.

The object of the invention is to improve the construction of thesurfaces between which the clothes are rubbed and which effect thecleansing result.

A further object is to generally improve and simplify the constructionof such machines, particularly by the provision of an improved removablebottom mat orboard in the suds-box.

With these and other objects in view the invention is hereinafterdescribed and claimed, and an embodiment thereof is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of themachine. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of the rubber andsuds-box. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a portion of the washboard or matremoved from the suds-box. Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the same.Fig. 5 is a cross-section of one of the slats forming said mat.

Referring specifically to the drawings, 6 indicates the semicircularsuds-box, supported on legs 6. The rubber is indicated at 7 and swingson an axle 7 the ends of which enter vertical slots formed in castingsS, secured to the suds-box. This construction is common in the art andpermits-vertical movement of the rubber to adjust itself to thethickness of clothes underneath. a

The wash mat or board, against which the clothes are rubbed, is formedof slats 9, and the rubber 7 is faced with similar slats, fastened tothe edges of the side pieces thereof. The mat or stationary board isformed of such slats, joined together by flexible wires 9 to Serial No.113,080. (No model.)

which the slats are stapled, as at 9 This lets the mat take the shape ofthe bottom of the suds-boxyfrom which it is spaced by the thickness ofthe wires andmon which it rests *between'stops 6 'The mat isreadilyremovable, as it is not fixed to the suds-box.

irregular rubbing-surfaces. Perforations 10 are formed in the bottoms ofthe cups to allow the escapeof the dirt removed from the clothesthroughtheslatsv to the lower'side or beneath those forming thewashboard or mat. This dirt collects and settles between the washboardand the bottom of the box as the water flows in and out through theholes referred to. p r

The simplicity and cheapness of the machine are obvious. The slats arepreferably formed of Wood, and the bottom of the sudsbox may be formedof Wood or metal, preferably the latter. The only other metal parts arethe axleand its bearings. The'wavelike or back-and-forth motion of theWater produced by the swing of the rubber causes a flow of water throughthe cups and holes whichv effectively carries the water through theclothesand thoroughly washes them, and as fast as the dirt collects itsettles under the board at the bottom of the box, and the water isthereby kept cleaner than would otherwise be the case. The absence ofprojections on the face of the rubber or washboard avoids tearing orinjuring clothes or fine fabrics.

What I claim is-- In a washing-machine and in combination a suds-box, aremovable washboard therein comprising slats flexibly connectedtogether, each having a'series ofsubstantially cuplike recesses in itsface and holes from each recess throughthe slat, a nd a rubber havingsubstantially the same curve as the washboard and comprisingslats, eachhaving a series of recesses of the same shape in its face, substantiallyas described.

In testimony whereof I-affix my signature in presence oftwo witnesses.

JOHN A. BOMMHARDT, V GEORGE WOLF.

